Voice recognition maintenance inspection program

• US 20020138269A1
• Filed: 03/20/2001
• Published: 09/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: United Defense LP (BAE Systems Plc)
• Original Assignee: United Defense LP (BAE Systems Plc)
• Inventors: Philley, Charles F.
• Application Number:
  US09/813,601
• Publication Number:
  US 20020138269A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 704/260
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 13/08 Text analysis or generation of parameters for speech synthesis out of text, e.g. grapheme to phoneme translation, prosody generation or stress or intonation determination
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 15/26 Speech to text systems G10L15/08 takes precedence

Abstract

A method of performing an inspection routine for a vehicle that utilizes a data processing means, a portable computer, that is capable of text-to-speech voice synthesis, and voice recognition technology. The computer is programmed with the complete inspection routine, including drawings and diagrams to illustrate the inspection criteria. The inspector wears the computer while he is performing the inspection, so that the computer can tell the inspector where to go and what to look at. The computer can also ask questions of the inspector to determine the acceptability of the vehicle. If the inspector is unsure regarding a specific point of inspection, the inspector can query the computer, and the inspector will immediately receive help in the form of both audible and visual communications regarding the inspection criteria or inspection technique. Any defects that are discovered during the inspection are automatically reported and documented by the inspector speaking into the portable computer. The inspection data is then downloaded to a database to track corrective action and to provide defect trend analysis.

Claims

1. A method of performing an inspection routine comprising:

a) defining said inspection routine,

b) loading said inspection routine into a portable computer, said portable computer including text-to-speech voice synthesis and voice recognition capability so that verbal communication between an inspector and said portable computer is available,

c) affixing said portable computer to the person of the inspector,

d) commencing said inspection routine, wherein during said inspection routine the inspector can query said portable computer concerning routine procedure and inspection criteria, and

e) inputting data collected during said inspection routine into said portable computer.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

following said inspection routine, said data collected during said inspection routine is downloaded from said portable computer to a centralized computer system, said centralized computer system including data compilation and reporting programs.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

drawing criteria is included in said inspection routine so that said drawing criteria is available to said inspector.